2026 Global Photography Awards

The Global Photography Awards (GPA) is a truly international photography competition celebrating the stories, efforts, and unique perspectives behind each and every click of the shutter. As a platform that recognizes exceptional talent in photography, the award presents the identity of each photographer, showcasing the beauty and elegance of their creations worldwide.

About

Fostering the growth of visual arts across the globe, the Global Photography Awards welcomes inspiring photographers from every corner of the world—whether professionals, amateurs, or students—to express themselves through a single masterpiece. The mission is simple: to gather the world’s greatest individuals who believe their photographs can make a difference, and to showcase this excellence to the world.

Recognize your moment and become the next extraordinary photographer to achieve global recognition, with your images displayed on a worldwide stage before an audience where each frame is appreciated with the utmost admiration.

2026 Entry Deadline & Fees

Early Bird: May 21 – Jun 18, 2026 ($35)
Regular: Jun 19 – Jul 16, 2026 ($40)
Final: Jul 17 – Aug 13, 2026 ($45)
Final Extension: Aug 14 – Sep 10, 2026 ($50)

FULL RESULTS: September 25, 2026

Categories

The Global Photography Awards categories are divided into 14 award sections: International Photography, Fashion Photography, Minimalist Photography, Editorial Photography, People Photography, Black & White Photography, Nature Photography, Commercial Photography, Fine Art Photography, Architecture Photography, Film Photography, Advertising Photography, Special Category, and Supporting Category.

Eligibility

The Global Photography Awards welcomes all photographers over the age of 18 from anywhere in the world to join its global community. Whether professional, amateur, or student, this platform celebrates your passion for photography.

This competition is open to all forms of photography—professional, personal, published or unpublished—created after January 1, 2021.

Submission Requirements

All entries must be submitted for judging exactly as published or implemented and may not be modified for the competition. The Global Photography Awards may request proof of initial production and/or publication date.

A written translation or adaptation must accompany non-English entries. The award reserves the right to re-categorize incorrectly classified entries. Judges reserve the right to withhold an award in a category if submissions do not meet expectations.

Entry Brief

We recommend each synopsis be kept within 350 words. Use this section to elaborate on the work and provide the jury with a better understanding of your subject. A written translation or adaptation must accompany non-English entries.

Image Submission

Submissions should be saved in flattened JPEG or JPG format (under 4MB, 1,200px wide is preferable, 300dpi, RGB).

Winning Levels

There are five (5) levels of achievement in the competition:

Photographer of the Year
Category Winners of the Year
Platinum (85–100 points)
Gold (70–84 points)
Silver (50–69 points)

Judging

Judging is blind. All entrant information is removed from entries to prevent bias and conflict of interest.

The jury panel is composed of experienced professionals in their fields, including creative and art directors from international agencies, established photographers, photo editors, art collectors, educators, and business owners from around the world, bringing industry knowledge and category-specific expertise to evaluate every entry.

Prizes

Photographer of the Year (Professional Category) will receive $5,000 in cash prizes and a Maia Statuette.
Photographer of the Year (Amateur Category) will receive $3,000 in cash prizes and a Maia Statuette.
Category Winners of the Year (Professional and Amateur Categories) will receive $100 in cash prizes each.
All Photographers of the Year, Category Winners, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Winners will receive e-certificates.
Top-tier (Platinum and Gold) winners will be featured in the Global Photography Awards online gallery.
Professionally designed logos will be provided for use on websites, email signatures, etc.
Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners may purchase Maia statuettes.
Winning entries from Photographer of the Year, Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners will be publicized on the Global Photography Awards online gallery and in official materials.

Image: © Liam Man